The 18th Annual Barrio Arts Fest is historical. It commemorates the opening of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture after an extensive reconstruction of the former establishment of the Humboldt Park Stables that lasted over a decade. Now, the historic building that housed the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (IPRAC) through its transition will rejoice once again with its signature arts festival, Barrio Arts Fest, during the weekend of July 14th from 10am to 6pm & July 15th form 11am to 5pm.

Every year Barrio Arts Fest, in addition to the artists/vendors, offers workshops for the entire family. This year Barrio Arts Fest plans to add a selection of Food Vendors and a Classic Car Show. In addition to traditional dance and musical performances, there are many other extraordinary experiences that the whole family can enjoy.

This year, Y no había Luz, theater company from Puerto Rico will delight us with an art exhibit along with family workshops and a performance during the festival! Marissa Paolicelli de Jesús, author of There’s a coquí in my shoe and Lightkeepers to the Rescue! will do a book reading for the kids and we will offer a lighthouse family workshop as well!

We hope you can join us to celebrate the new journey of our Museum, our beautiful Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and our vibrant community here in Chicago. This is a family friendly free admission event!